Eclipse Experiences

[Steve & Cindy Kessler]

Bob,

I use the OS 140 EFI, Macs 2.25" rise header and the ES2C140L90 CF pipes.  I have plenty of power.

By the way, I wish my Panacea had lasted more than 10 flights.  It too felt good.  I must admit I am partial to the look of the Eclipse.  The fuse has a much more gentle and rounded curves.  The Eclipse simply looks fantastic.  I need a web site like yours.  I have over 100 Eclipse, Fantasy and Panacea build photos.  I will post various aspects on RCUniverse if there is a need.

Steve
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Pastorello 
  To: kessler at kingwoodcable.net 
  Sent: Sunday, February 29, 2004 8:44 AM
  Subject: Re: Eclipse Experiences


  Steve, I've been following your mods and progress on RCU.  VERY good craftsmanship!  With all the different reports about CA models, I'm glad you're doing some.  They seem like pretty high quality kits for the money, for certain.

  Yours are sure nice!  Hope they work out well, and I'm looking forward to watching.  What are you powering them with?

  Bob Pastorello, Oklahoma
  NSRCA 199, AMA 46373
  rcaerobob at cox.net
  www.rcaerobats.net


    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Steve & Cindy Kessler 
    To: discussion at nsrca.org 
    Sent: Sunday, February 29, 2004 8:14 AM
    Subject: Re: Eclipse Experiences


    Don,

    I have two Eclipses (#2 Eclipse is under construction) and one Fantasy.  My #1 Eclipse now has less than 15 flights.  I had a fellow FAI flyer go thru the new FAI pattern with it.  I fly masters.  We both have Smaragds as our main planes.  We both agree the Eclipse flies every bit as good as my Smaragd-z with one minor exception.  The Eclipse has a little less frontal area on the fuse and does not slow down as quickly as the Smaragd.  I think I'll be able to make adjustments in my flying to compensate.  Snaps and rolling maneuvers are identical to the Smaragd.  In fact, I simply used my Smaragd throws and transmitter settings on the Eclipse.  I only had to make adjustments on the snap settings.  All other aspects fell into place.

    The basic kit is only $499.  This is a steal considering the wings come sheeted.  All of my kits have had excellent fiberglass and sheeting quality.  The fuse is some three to four ounces heaver than a Smaragd.  I compensate by substituting Bolly landing gear,  BPG CF wing tube.  I do also use the ES CF pipes.  All in all, I am able to build the plane at 10# - 0oz to 10# - 3oz.  This compares to my Smaragd at 10# - 1oz.  Why pay $1200 to $1600 for a Smaragd or Partner kit when you can have two to three Eclipses for the same cost.

    I have started a thread on RCUniverse on "Eclipse building tips".  There are some photos posted of modifications I have made.  I plan to use the Eclipse in the 2004 Masters pattern wars and see if my fortunes can improve.  I give the Eclipse two thumbs up.

    Steve Kessler

      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Don McCullough 
      To: discussion at nsrca.org 
      Sent: Sunday, February 29, 2004 2:45 AM
      Subject: Eclipse Experiences


      After seeing the ad for the A Model Eclipse in the latest K Factor, it seems like a good candidate - and priced right. Anyone out there have any experience with the plane or the kit?

       

      Don McCullough

      NSRCA 1520

       

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